Preparing for a Court Interview: How Can My Friend Ace It with a B.A. Degree?

Dear All,

One of my friends has been selected for a face-to-face interview in the Honorable Court. He has completed his B.A. degree. Could you please suggest how he can prepare himself for the interview?

Regards,
Satish

You do not give the reason for the interview. Therefore, I cannot give specific advice. However, in general terms, the following should help your friend prepare for a successful interview:

1. Ensure you have all relevant documents that you might need. If in doubt, take the documents anyway; it's better that they are not required rather than not having them.

2. Arrive early and speak to the clerk or court staff and ask how the Judge(s) like to be addressed. The court staff will not approach you; you must approach them. If you do not get the opportunity to speak to the staff, then address the Judge as Your Honor.

3. Speak to the Judge only when you are spoken to; this shows respect.

4. Always use a polite tone and reserved body language. Do not wave your hands about. Do not use any phrases that criticize the Judge or any other official. Do not use words that can be interpreted as cursing or threatening. Maintain your composure; if you start to get upset, angry, or lose your temper, ask the Judge for a brief recess. Take a few minutes to gather your emotions outside the court. Remember, a Judge can hold you in contempt, meaning they can give you a fine or even put you in jail for speaking disrespectfully. However, even if they do not, then your testimony will be tarnished.

5. No matter what happens, wait until the Judge is finished talking before you speak. The Judge will not tolerate you speaking over him (or anyone else) or interrupting.

6. Make eye contact with the Judge at all times; this tells him that you are paying attention to what he is saying.

7. When you speak, you should stand up and only sit down when you have finished; this shows respect and also lets the Judge know when you are done speaking. The Judge may direct you to keep seated while you are talking.

8. When you are totally finished speaking with nothing more to add or at the end of the interview, thank the Judge for listening.

9. When you are not speaking, sit quietly and act respectfully.

10. Do not do anything that might be seen as disrespectful, either to the Judge or anyone else in the room, such as eye-rolling, making comments, or gestures.

I hope the above helps.

Regards,
Harsh

Dear Harsh,

Wonderful suggestions! I could not have done better! You have hit the mark in the dark, yet scored perfectly!

In a situation where not much material information has been disclosed, your suggestions are all relevant and extraordinary.

Suggestions I Especially Liked:

- "2) Arrive early and speak to the clerk or court staff and ask how the Judge(s) like to be addressed. The court staff will not approach you; you must approach them. If you do not get the opportunity to speak to the staff, then address the Judge as Your Honor.

- 3) Speak to the Judge only when you are spoken to; this shows respect.

- 4) Always use a polite tone and reserved body language. Do not wave your hands about. Do not use any phrases that criticize the Judge or any other official. Do not use words that can be interpreted as cursing or threatening. Maintain your composure; if you start to get upset, angry, or lose your temper, ask the Judge for a brief recess. Take a few minutes to gather your emotions outside the court. Remember, a Judge can hold you in contempt, meaning they can give you a fine or even put you in jail for speaking disrespectfully. However, even if they do not, then your testimony will be tarnished.

- 5) No matter what happens, wait until the Judge is finished talking before you speak. The Judge will not tolerate you speaking over him (or anyone else) or interrupting."

I would like to add one of mine:

If there is an interruption during the interview while you are speaking, let the Judge take his own time to deal with the matter or the person. Wait respectfully, keep quiet and calm until it is over, and then continue after taking permission.

Warm regards.

Thank you for your valuable guidance. It will definitely help my friend and others as well.

Interview Preparation for Junior Clerk Position

As mentioned by Harsh Shuklaji, the reason is that he applied for the position of "Junior Clerk" in the Honorable Court. He passed the written test, English, and local language typing test, and has been selected for a face-to-face interview scheduled for next week.

He requested interview tips from me. However, I don't have any idea about court interviews. Hence, I am reaching out here for assistance. This will be really helpful in preparing to crack the interview.

Warm Regards,
Satish

Now it's clear, it is for a job in a Court!

In addition to what they advised, add these also:

1. Carry your originals with two sets of Xerox copies and recent passport-size photos, one or two sheets of fresh paper, a pen, and a pencil.

2. Either don't carry a mobile phone or, if carried, ensure it's switched off.

3. Wear neat, clean clothes, buttoned up, polished chappals or shoes. Sit erect, don't rest your arms on the desk, and be attentive to what they are talking to you.

4. When directed to enter, if the door is closed, tap the door gently, open it, and ask for their permission to enter. After entering, calmly and quietly walk up to the seat and stand until you are asked to sit.

5. Don't ever panic. Reply only when asked; otherwise, clearly understand what they are addressing you. If you don't fully understand the question put forth before you expecting an answer, ask them to repeat with, "Excuse me, if you don't mind, could you repeat the question?" If the question asked is in English, reply also in English; if it is in vernacular, reply also in the same language. By chance, if you don't know either of these languages, apologize for the same and seek their permission to answer in whatever language you are comfortable with.

6. If possible, rehearse with your friends who have interview experience.

7. Be genuine and truthful. Answer briefly, and when you have no answer, say frankly, "Sorry sirs, I don't know the answer." Don't ever try to bluff or mislead them.

8. When finished, stand up quietly, say "Thank you very much," looking at all those in the panel, and walk back without a murmur.

If possible, get some knowledge of what type of tasks you have to do if appointed, and prepare well on GK, judicial systems in the country, etc.

All the best to both of you.